Italy opens ‘torture’ probe after Israeli forces abduct Gaza activists
5/4/2026 6:45:58 PM
Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation after Israel captured aid flotilla boats headed for the besieged Gaza Strip and abuse allegations surfaced after two activists were imprisoned.
Israel’s navy intercepted 22 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters close to the Greek island of Crete last week while they were sailing towards Gaza to take aid there.
Most of the 175 activists abducted were released; however, two men – Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila – were taken to the Israeli city of Ashkelon for “questioning”.
“Rome investigators have received three complaints regarding the Israeli operation, two of which concern Avila and Abu Keshek who were on Italian boats,” the Ansa news agency reported.
Italian prosecutors are also investigating a similar Israeli navy flotilla interception last year “with alleged torture among the suspected crimes committed”, it said.
Israel’s navy intercepted 22 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters close to the Greek island of Crete last week while they were sailing towards Gaza to take aid there.
Most of the 175 activists abducted were released; however, two men – Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila – were taken to the Israeli city of Ashkelon for “questioning”.
“Rome investigators have received three complaints regarding the Israeli operation, two of which concern Avila and Abu Keshek who were on Italian boats,” the Ansa news agency reported.
Italian prosecutors are also investigating a similar Israeli navy flotilla interception last year “with alleged torture among the suspected crimes committed”, it said.